Understanding the Importance of a Turkey Choke
The thrill of turkey hunting – the hush of the woods, the patient wait, the sudden gobble echoing through the trees, and then the heart-stopping moment when a magnificent tom finally struts into view. Success in this pursuit depends on many factors, but one element reigns supreme: a clean, ethical, and effective shot. And at the heart of this lies the crucial role of the right turkey choke for your shotgun. Specifically, for those wielding the venerable Remington 870, the choice of choke is paramount. It’s the final piece of the puzzle, the instrument that transforms your shotgun into a precision instrument capable of delivering lethal force at the ranges where turkey hunting thrives.
The Remington 870: A Time-Tested Turkey Hunting Companion
The Remington 870, an icon in the world of firearms, has earned its place in the hearts and hands of hunters across the globe. Known for its reliability, durability, and remarkable versatility, this pump-action shotgun is a true workhorse. Its simple yet robust design makes it a steadfast companion in the field, season after season. But the 870’s true strength lies not just in its inherent qualities, but also in its adaptability, particularly its capacity to accept different chokes. This is where the world of turkey chokes unlocks the full potential of this legendary firearm.
Defining Turkey Chokes and Their Function
A turkey choke, for the uninitiated, is a specialized muzzle device designed to constrict the shot pattern as it exits the barrel. This constriction affects the spread of the pellets, concentrating them into a tighter grouping at a specific range. This is critical for turkey hunting because a denser pattern increases the probability of hitting the vital organs of a turkey, leading to a clean, humane kill. The tighter the pattern, the farther you can reach out to get your shot on the bird. Without the right choke, your chances of hitting a strutting tom at the appropriate range decrease significantly.
The fundamental concept of a choke is simple: to control the dispersion of the shot. Chokes come in various levels of constriction, each designed for a specific purpose. A full choke, for instance, provides significant constriction, ideal for longer-range shots. An improved cylinder, on the other hand, offers less constriction, producing a wider pattern suitable for closer-range hunting or specific game.
The term “turkey choke” generally refers to extra-full or super-full chokes. These designs are engineered to deliver the tightest possible patterns at the distances where turkey hunting is often practiced, typically within forty to fifty yards. These chokes are built with the specific intention of maximizing the effective range of your shotgun when hunting these wary birds. They are often designed with specific porting and internal geometries to further improve pattern consistency and performance.
Why the Remington 870 Excels for Turkey Hunting
The Remington 870’s enduring popularity stems from several factors. Firstly, its reliability is legendary. The 870 is built to withstand the rigors of the field, enduring harsh weather, and handling continuous use. Secondly, its versatility is unmatched. Its ability to accept a wide variety of chokes, from those designed for waterfowl to those specialized for turkey hunting, makes it adaptable to various hunting scenarios. The widespread availability of aftermarket accessories is a testament to its popularity and the fact that it is an incredibly customizable platform. Finally, the 870 is relatively accessible, with models available at various price points, making it an attractive choice for both experienced hunters and those new to the sport.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your 870
Finding the perfect match for your Remington 870 can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into a few key considerations will help you arrive at your ultimate turkey choke.
Ammunition Matters Most
The type of ammunition you plan to use is the first crucial consideration. The advent of specialized turkey loads using different materials, and even different shot sizes, has exploded the options available to the turkey hunter. Lead shot is still a very good option, but many hunters are now choosing tungsten or other premium loads like TSS (Tungsten Super Shot). These premium loads offer improved downrange performance and denser patterns due to their higher density. When choosing a choke, consider the type of ammunition that will be used. Chokes are often specifically designed to perform optimally with certain types of shot and can even be marketed specifically for specific loads.
Shot Size Considerations
The size of the shot also matters. Larger shot sizes, such as #4, are often preferred for turkeys, as they provide a greater number of pellets in the pattern, increasing the chances of a successful hit. Smaller shot sizes like #6 may be suitable at closer ranges, but generally, you will choose a larger shot for greater range and more effective lethality. The balance between shot size, choke constriction, and range is essential.
Assessing Your Hunting Range
The hunting range you anticipate is another critical factor. Are you primarily hunting in dense cover, where shots are typically taken at shorter distances? Or are you often faced with long-range opportunities, requiring you to reach out further? A tighter choke is better suited for longer-range hunting, while a more open choke will work better at closer ranges. Understanding your typical hunting conditions is paramount.
Understanding Your Gauge
The gauge of your Remington 870 also dictates your choke options. A twelve-gauge, the most common configuration, will have the widest selection of chokes available. However, twenty-gauge and other less common gauges have their own specific choke requirements.
Physical Considerations
Also, consider your own physical attributes as a shooter. Your eye dominance and how your gun fits you can influence how your shotgun patterns. A properly fitted shotgun will allow you to naturally align with the target.
Popular Turkey Choke Options for the Remington 870
When considering specific choke options for your Remington 870, the choices can be overwhelming. There are numerous brands and models to consider, each claiming to provide superior performance. Remington, the manufacturer, produces its own line of turkey chokes specifically designed for its shotguns. These factory chokes are a reliable and often cost-effective option. They are typically well-matched to the 870 platform, providing consistent patterns.
Beyond the factory offerings, the aftermarket is filled with companies that specialize in high-performance chokes. Brands such as Carlson’s, Trulock, and Patternmaster are renowned for their innovative designs and premium materials. These aftermarket chokes often incorporate advanced features like ported designs to reduce muzzle rise and internal geometries for improved pattern uniformity.
When choosing a turkey choke, the materials used can significantly impact performance and durability. Stainless steel chokes offer superior resistance to corrosion and can withstand the heat and pressure generated by repeated firing. Steel chokes are durable as well, but they may require more maintenance.
The Importance of Patterning Your Shotgun
To truly realize the potential of your Remington 870 and turkey choke combination, you *must* pattern your shotgun. Patterning involves firing your shotgun at a target at a set distance and evaluating the resulting pellet pattern. This process is crucial to understanding how your choke and ammunition perform together. It eliminates the guesswork and provides valuable insights into your effective range.
Setting up Your Patterning Session
Setting up to pattern your gun is relatively straightforward. First, choose a safe location where you can shoot at a paper target without endangering yourself or others. The distance at which you should pattern your shotgun is usually forty yards, but you might start at a shorter distance to see the initial pattern.
The target itself should be large enough to capture the entire shot pattern. A large sheet of paper or a commercially available patterning target is ideal. When you are patterning your shotgun, it is important to be safe. Always follow safe gun-handling practices.
Executing the Test
Begin by centering the target and aiming carefully, just as you would in the field. Fire several shots, preferably three to five, with the same ammunition you intend to use for hunting. This gives you an average that you can examine. After each shot, examine the pattern and count the number of pellet strikes within a defined circle, typically ten inches in diameter. This helps you understand the pattern density. A good starting number is 200+ hits within a ten-inch circle.
Analyzing Your Results
The process of analyzing the shot pattern is critical. A dense, uniform pattern indicates a well-performing choke and ammunition combination. Gaps or uneven distribution of pellets may indicate that you need to experiment with different chokes or ammunition.
Your patterns tell you about your effective range. Note the number of pellets that strike within the target area. By examining the pellet distribution, you can determine the effective range of your combination. The tighter the pattern and the greater the number of pellets, the further you can reach out.
Tips for Turkey Hunting Success with Your Remington 870
Ultimately, your specific choke choice will depend on a combination of factors. However, with the right combination of choke, shell, and shot, you can be confident that your Remington 870 is ready for the challenge of harvesting a majestic tom.
Choosing the Right Shells
Beyond the technical considerations, there are some fundamental steps you can take to increase your chance of success. First, matching the ammunition to your choke and the intended range is essential. Selecting a shell that is designed for turkey hunting, using the correct shot size, is a foundational step.
Perfecting Your Aim
Practicing your aim is also critical. The turkey’s vital areas are relatively small, and precise shot placement is essential for a clean kill. Practicing your aim will familiarize you with how your shotgun and choke combination performs, allowing you to confidently make the shot when it counts.
Utilizing Effective Calling Techniques
Turkey hunting often involves utilizing effective calling techniques. Learning the various calls, from the simple yelp to the more complex series of calls, can bring a gobbler into range. It also helps to understand the turkey’s behavior and movement patterns.
Prioritizing Safety
Of course, you should also always be concerned with safety. Follow all safe gun handling practices. Knowing your target and what lies beyond it are important. Also be mindful of your surroundings.
Maintaining Your Equipment
Finally, proper maintenance is also key to the longevity of your choke and shotgun. Regularly clean your choke and shotgun after each hunting trip. This will remove any powder residue or debris. Inspect the threads on your choke for any wear or damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the perfect turkey choke for your Remington 870 is a critical step toward consistent success in the turkey woods. By understanding the role of chokes, the specific characteristics of the 870, and by undertaking the necessary steps of patterning your shotgun, you can transform this already capable platform into a precise instrument capable of delivering maximum effectiveness. You will have the confidence to know your gun can be relied on to cleanly harvest a mature tom.
By understanding the factors involved, and by being willing to experiment and pattern your gun, you’ll be well on your way to putting a big gobbler in your sights. Take the time to learn, practice, and select the right choke. The rewards of a successful turkey hunt await!
